editor
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s recent partnership with Spanish football giant FC Barcelona has drawn both praise and criticism, reflecting a broader trend of African nations aligning with European clubs to boost tourism and national image.
DR Congo now joins countries like Rwanda, which has signed high-profile tourism sponsorship deals with Arsenal F.C., Paris Saint-Germain F.C., and FC Bayern Munich. Just last month, AS Monaco FC and A.C. Milan also announced similar agreements with DR Congo, though the financial details remain undisclosed.
While some observers view these partnerships as an opportunity for the country to gain global visibility, others have labeled the strategy as “sportswashing”, accusing the government of using elite football to distract from internal challenges.
Critics at home are particularly vocal about the move. Many Congolese have questioned the government’s decision to fund international promotions while the national football league continues to suffer from chronic underfunding and mismanagement. Some argue that those funds would be better spent revitalizing local sports infrastructure and supporting homegrown talent.
Nonetheless, supporters of the deal argue it positions DR Congo more favorably on the world stage and could attract tourism and foreign investment in the long run.
As the debate continues, the government has yet to provide full transparency on the value of these partnerships or the long-term strategy behind them.
